Definition of locutionnext
as in manner
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words in the poet's somewhat affected locution, word order is often reversed and so we have "the sea serene"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of locution Confucius says—an old-fashioned locution, perhaps, but appropriate here—never to take interest in feats of strength. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 That mysterious locution and the lack of additional details raised the possibility that something more than the sniffles might be ailing the Boss. — Stuart Munro, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2023 In diplomatic memorandums, officials avoided the term military base; the preferred locution was joint communications facility. — Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 15 June 2022 President Lyndon Baines Johnson was a retro Texan by birth and locution. — Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2019 Consider common appeals to allyship and altruism; such locutions convey a sort of optional quality, a moralistic tone, and unreliable trendiness. — Astra Taylor, The New Republic, 26 Aug. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for locution
Noun
  • Containerized units support flexible replacement The batteries’ containerized format allows them to be handled and stowed in the same manner as standard cargo containers.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • With the Los Angeles Rams approaching panic mode, the NFC East in complete disarray and the Kansas City Chiefs preparing for their biggest test yet, there’s no shortage of drama heading into Week 7.
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The Tesla driver, a 26-year-old man from San Francisco, told authorities the vehicle had been operating in full self-driving autonomous mode at the time of the crash, CHP said.
    — Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Here’s a prime example of a more cryptic style of clue that sometimes pops up in late-week puzzles.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The menu changes daily and features wide-ranging Italian and Tyrolean dishes such as quail risotto, Speckknöddelsuppe (bacon dumpling soup), pasta and veal ragout, Viennese-style schnitzel, spinach dumplings, and apple strudel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The calming, tone-on-tone abstract paintings upstairs and downstairs are by the British painter Susan Gunn.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The complex also contains a blend of antioxidants, flax seed extract, and acetyl tetrapeptide-2, which work together to improve skin elasticity, maximize hydration, and even out the skin tone across the neck and décolleté.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Locution.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/locution. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster